Pride musical announces world premiere dates and details

Dates and details have been announced for the new musical version of Pride.

Based on the 2014 film of the same name, it is being presented by P&P Productions with the National Theatre. It will have dates in both London and at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre, beginning first at the latter from 31 March to 18 April 2026.

It will then run in London at the National’s Dorfman Theatre from 11 June to 12 September 2026.

The show reunites director Matthew Warchus (who also directed the original film) and writer Stephen Beresford, who return to the true story that inspired the original screenplay.

Set during the miners’ strike of 1984, the musical follows a group of lesbian and gay activists who lend their support to the striking mining communities. The production’s development has been well-documented for a number of years.

Drawing from real events, the piece explores the alliance formed between two groups facing economic hardship and social marginalisation.

Pride has a book and lyrics by Beresford, music by Christopher Nightingale, Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, developed and directed by Warchus. The artistic team is completed by set and costume designer Bunny Christie, choreographer Lizzi Gee, lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, sound designer Bobby Aitken, music supervisor Tom Kelly, music director Jo Cichonska and casting director David Grindrod.

Warchus said: “It was one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career to direct the film version of Pride. I’m so excited to be working alongside Stephen again – together with Chris, Josh and DJ – to bring this hugely emotional and inspiring true story to the stage and let it sing.”

Beresford added: “It was an incredible experience to bring the true story of Pride to the screen, and it’s equally thrilling to now bring it to the stage. The soaring, epic nature of this story seemed tailor-made for musical theatre – and to collaborate with Josh and DJ, and reunite with Matthew and Chris has been nothing short of a joy. I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”

On the world premiere, National Theatre director Indhu Rubasingham commented: “When I heard that Matthew and Stephen were adapting their beloved film Pride as a stage musical, I knew instantly that I wanted it to be here at the National Theatre. The Dorfman is an intimate, flexible theatre renowned for new writing and for challenging expectations. The world premiere of Pride will push the limits of what is possible in this space, both joyful and disrupting. I can’t wait for audiences to experience its power.”

Casting is to be announced.

Public booking for Pride opens at 10am on Friday, 14 November 2025.